Francis Ngannou has been added to the May 16 MVP MMA card, marking his return to MMA competition. This represents a significant opportunity for Ngannou to get back on track after his last UFC fight in 2022. Following his departure from the UFC, Ngannou signed with the PFL in May 2023, fought Anthony Joshua in March 2024, and then competed in boxing before returning to MMA. The May 16 fight will be his first MMA bout since October 2024 and his first fight of any kind in several months, making this a major comeback moment for the heavyweight.
Reports suggest Francis Ngannou is set to make his return to mixed martial arts on a May 16 MVP MMA card, though the booking has not yet been officially confirmed. If the matchup comes together, it would mark the former UFC heavyweight champion's first MMA action since October 2024 and his first competitive appearance of any kind in several months.
Ngannou, 38, carries an 18-3 record and currently holds the number 12 spot in the pound-for-pound rankings despite his lengthy absence from the cage. The Cameroonian heavyweight trains out of Xtreme Couture and stands six-foot-four with an 83-inch reach, a physical profile that made him one of the most feared strikers in the sport during his UFC run. He landed strikes at a 50 percent accuracy rate throughout his career. Ngannou last competed in the UFC in 2022 before departing the promotion, signing with the PFL in May 2023, and then pivoting to boxing, most notably facing Anthony Joshua in March 2024.
Why it matters
- Ngannou's return would be his first MMA bout since October 2024, ending a significant layoff for a fighter still ranked inside the global pound-for-pound top 15
- His placement on an MVP MMA card signals growing competition among promotions for marquee heavyweight talent outside the UFC
- At 38, every fight carries added weight regarding the trajectory of his career and where he ultimately lands long term
